Coach Čačić has some problems, as he has only 16 fit players and only one forward available in the squad.
After a win over Israel, Croatia takes on Hungary in Budapest on March 26. 2016. The hosts are preparing for the Euros, which will be their first big tournament after 30 years of failing to quality for a major tournament. The Croatian team has a lot of problems after the Osijek match, which was played on a substandard pitch, and some players are struggling with injuries.
Darijo Srna has picked up a nasty cut and will be unavailable for today’s game, as well as Nikola Kalinić and Milan Badelj, all three being starters for the previous match. As Ivan Rakitić and Marko Pjaca are not up for selection also due to injuries, it is unclear why the coach has not called up a few more players. There is not much time left for preparations, and injuries are always something to count on, so broadening the selection always looks like a good idea.
As there will be just one forward in the team, Andrej Kramarić comes to one’s mind, as he has raised the level of his form in last weeks, and this would be an excellent opportunity to see him in action. There are only 16 players available, and three of those are goalkeepers, and the team’s supporters are worried about the possibility of more injuries, as it is the peak of the season, and top players are worn out by intensive playing. More substitutes would be welcome, but coach Čačić has decided to go on with what he has.
Kick of for the match is 18.00 CET, and as Budapest is just a few hours drive from northern parts of Croatia, it will be interesting to see how many of Croatian supporters will make the trip.
